Dr.’s Erath, Ferro, Ahmadi, and Helenbrook (Clarkson University) are performing research related to the production of respiratory droplets during voiced speech. Results will provide critical information for understanding transmission of infectious diseases, particularly within educational settings. They are looking for approximately 20-30 participants that are between the ages of 6-18 and that are willing to participate in the research efforts. All participants much be accompanied by an adult guardian, who will provide permission on behalf of the minor. The study has been approved by the Clarkson University Institutional Review Board, IRB 20-56.
The study involves the following tasks that will be performed while sitting in chair, and breathing/speaking into a funnel that is connected to an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS). The APS measures the quantity and size of microscopic respiratory particles that are emitted during breathing/speaking/etc.
- Breathing comfortably for two minutes.
- Phonate a constant vowel sound (/a/, as produced when saying the word “awe”) for 5 seconds, resting for 10 seconds, and then repeating this pattern six times. This will be performed at a constant loudness and pitch that is comfortable for the user. It will then be repeated at comfortable loudness, while matching the pitch (as close as possible) to the note middle C. Auditory cues will be provided to help the participant match the pitch. It is not necessary to perfectly match the note/pitch.
- Repeat task 2, being sure to take a very deep breath prior to phonating the sound /a/
- Produce the sound “pa-pa-pa-pa” for 5 seconds, and then rest for 10 seconds. This will be repeated 6 times.
- Both speak and sing a common nursery rhyme or song (e.g., Happy Birthday to You). This will be repeated five times.
- Phonate the constant vowel sound /a/ into a peak respiratory flow meter. This is a device that measures the rate at which air is exiting the mouth, and is similar to blowing into a musical instrument.
The entire process should take about 20 minutes.
Measurements will be performed in Rowley Laboratory, Room 280. Two graduate students will be present and conduct the study. All participants must wear a face covering at all times. Participants > 12 years of age, and any parents accompanying a minor during participation in the study must satisfy the COVID-19 restrictions discussed below.
Participants will remove their face covering only during performance of the tasks outlined above, and then will replace it upon completion of the study. Sanitation protocols are followed in the lab between each subject. All individuals running the study will wear face coverings, and maintain social distancing.
To sign up for a time slot to participate, you may sign up for a google calendar appointment, at:
under the slots available for “Droplet Production Data Collection”.
Following participation, individuals will be provided a beverage and refreshments to eat after they have left campus.
COVID-19 Restrictions:
In accordance with Clarkson University policies, children and adults must be either “fully-vaccinated”, or receive a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to participating in the study.
For children, “fully-vaccinated” means they must be at least two weeks past their second shot in a two-shot sequence.
For adults (18+), they must be at least 14 days past their second shot in a two-shot sequence or after their first shot in a one shot sequence. In addition, if the two shot sequence was received more than 6 months ago, or the one shot sequence was received more than two months ago, they must have received a booster shot since then.
In addition all participants (and guardians that will attend) will be provided a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test. The day of the appointment, all participants and parents/guardians that attend must self-administer the test and receive a negative result. All researchers involved will similarly take and must report a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test to minimize any infection risk.
Face coverings must be worn at all times on the Clarkson University campus, except when instructed to remove them by the study directors. More details on Clarkson’s COVID-19 policies can be found at: https://www.clarkson.edu/covid-19-information-2022
All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign a consent form on their behalf.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Byron Erath at berath@clarkson.edu
